(a) Every title insurer, controlled escrow company, and underwritten title company which pays any commission or which makes any unlawful rebate in violation of this article shall be liable to the people of California for five times the amount of that commission or unlawful rebate, the amount thereof to be recovered by the commissioner pursuant to Section 12976. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other penalty that may be imposed under this code, the commissioner may, after a hearing, issue an order to restrict or suspend the certificate of authority of any title insurer or controlled escrow company or the license of any underwritten title company. The commissioner may restrict or suspend the certificate of authority or license on a statewide basis or in specified counties.

(b) In no event shall the total or aggregate amount recovered by the commissioner from a title insurer, controlled escrow company, or underwritten title company pursuant to this section be less than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 919, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1999.)